Forest Fire Smoke Lingering Over Southern Manitoba

A forest fire burning in eastern Manitoba is sending smoke to southern areas of the province, including in Winnipeg.

A special air quality statement issued late Thursday by Environment Canada remains in place.

“Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk,” the statement reads.

The weather office says smoke may cause potential health concerns, such as sore eyes, tears, coughing and a runny nose.

The smoke is expected to disperse slightly with daytime heating, and it should continue to move out of the city tonight as winds shift into the south.

According to Manitoba Sustainable Development, the fire in Atikaki Provincial Park was caused by a lightning strike and covers about 350 square kilometres.